seeking grace for every day. . .

Choosing Contentment in Life

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:5-6

David said that.When I chose God the big questions of my life got answered.
I knew why I was here and where I was going next. I discovered what David found; I had a beautiful inheritance. I also knew God was holding me in His hands. That brought a comfort and peace that has stayed with me.

When I chose Jesus I found the One who would forever satisfy my needs. I wouldn’t have to chase after money or the things it can buy because I have Him.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5

When I chose God I found in Him the secret of contentment.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
Philippians 4:11-13

I’ve let circumstances get in between me and God a few times in my life.
Discontentment is the first thing to creep back in when I stray from God. I begin to compare my ‘situation’ to another’s and I feel competition, envy, and resentment. Then the striving begins. How can I get what I want, what I think I need? The feeling doesn’t go away until I make things right with God. That strength and power I received through my relationship with Jesus just dries up.

That’s when it dawns on me that I’ve been living in my own strength. I feel weak and out of step with God.
But thankfully it only takes a second to ‘turn back to Him’.